How to Build a Wooden Bible Box

The Holy Bible

Bibles are often kept in a place of honor in the home. A Bible box allows you to present and store your Bible. They are traditionally made of wood, and the wood is often ornately carved, but can be plain depending on your preference. A wooden Bible box can be made with common tools and materials. The advantage of making a Bible box yourself is that it will precisely fit your family Bible. You can even personalize the box with your family name.

Things You'll Need

• 2 pine boards (lid/bottom), 1-by-9-by-12-inch
• 2 pine boards (left/right sides), 1-by-6-by-9-inch
• 2 pine boards (front/back sides), 1-by-6-by-12-inch
• Table saw with dado blade set
• Router table with 5/32-inch Roman ogee bit
• 120-grit sandpaper
• Wood glue
• Damp rag
• Bar clamps
• 2 hinges, with screws
• 6 felt pads

Instructions

1. Set up the table saw with dado blades to cut a 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch dado (a rectangular groove) from each end of the four box sides. Run a scrap piece of wood through the table saw to ensure the setup is correct. Run both ends of each box side through the table saw. These cuts are called rabbets. A rabbet is a notch out of the end of a board. When placed together, two standard rabbets fit together to form a 90-degree angle.

2. Set up the router table with the 5/32-inch Roman ogee bit. Set up the fence so that it takes off 5/32-inch off the edge of a 1-inch board when run through the router table. Use a scrap piece of wood to verify setup. Run the top edges of the box lid through the router table. This will create a decorative edge for the Bible box lid.

3. Sand all of the Bible box parts carefully with 120-grit sandpaper. Place the left/right sides parallel to each other, approximately 12-inches apart. Place the front/back sides perpendicular to the left/right sides so that the rabbets on the ends fit together to form a box.

4. Apply a bead of wood glue to all of the edges of the rabbets. Use bar clamps to clamp the box sides together. Wipe off any excess glue with a damp rag. Allow the glue to dry for the specified amount of time on the glue container. Remove the bar clamps once the glue has completely dried. Set the box side assembly aside.

5. Place the lid upside down on a work surface. Place the two hinges 3 inches in from each side of the lid. Fasten the hinges to the lid with a screw gun and the screws provided with the hinges. Place the lid on the box side assembly. Hold the lid in the open position. Line up the edges of the lid where they should go. Align the hinges and fasten them to the inside edge of the back side of the box using a screw gun and the screws provided with the hinges. Place one felt pad on each corner of the front underside of the lid. Close the lid.

6. Flip the box over. Place one felt pad on each corner of the box bottom. Flip the box upright. Apply a wood finish of your choice to the Bible box. Allow the finish to dry completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Add a felt or velvet lining for a more plush interior.

• Wear eye protection while woodworking.

• Follow all tool safety precautions.

References

• Etsy: Handmade Bible Box Cherry Wood
• Country Living: Carved Bible Boxes
• Artisans of the Valley: Traditional Boxes

Resources

• Bailey's Woodworking: Hand Made Wood Bible Box